Mexico is a big country that covers many different geographic regions, and many unique cultural flavors. This, plus the fact that Mexico has so many different holidays and regional festivals offers the incredible opportunity to sample Mexican celebrations throughout the country and year. Below is a calendar of local festivals and fiestas, and where they take place.

January

Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala Dec. 30 to Jan. 6. - The Walking Cane Fair. Called the Feria del Bastón, this fair has a market that showcases and has for sale the colorful walking canes that are made in nearby Tizatlán. San Juan Chamula, Chiapas Jan. 1 - This New Year's celebration also includes the change in tribal governors and Chamula Indian traditional dances. Tizimín, Yucatan Jan. 2 to 6 - The Fair of the Three Kings, celebrating the three wise men who brought gifts to Christ's birth. This event also includes a cattle fair and Jaranas, a dance of the Yucatan. Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas Jan. 15 to 23 - The Fiesta of Saint Sebastian the Martyr, which displays regional costumes, also a reenactment of a naval battle on the river.

February

San Blas, Nayarit Feb. 1 to 3. - The Blessing of the Sea Festival, includes regional dancing and horse racing events.

March

Taxco, Guerrero Mar 6 - Day of Our Lord of Xalpa, local Indian dances performed include Los Tlacololeros, Santiagos, Diablos and Pescaderos. Tonalá, Jalisco Mar 18 to Apr 4 - Ceramics Fair, arts and handicrafts. Guelatao, Oaxaca Mar 21 - Celebration commemorating Benito Juárez, who was from Oaxaca. Urauapan, Michoacan Mar or Apr - Palm Sunday celebration with a big crafts display and market.

April

Cuernavaca, Morelia Apr. 1 to 7 - Flower Fair, with exhibits and competitions in floriculture and gardening. The fair is highlighted with sound and light shows and the appearance of popular entertainers. Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes Apr 16 to May 6 - San Marcos National Fair, a major commercial and handicrafts fair with live theatrical events, marimba contests and sporting events. Tuxtla Gutiérez, Chiapas Apr 20 to 26 - Fiesta of St. Mark the Evangelist. A regional commercial, industrial and agricultural exposition, plus handicrafts. Rosarito, Baja California Apr 30 - Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride, one of the largest events of it's kind, a 50 mile fun bike ride along the coast of northern Baja.

May

Morelia, Michoacan May 1 to 19 - The Michoacan State Fair, with everything a state fair should have. Tepic, Nayarit May 3 to 15 - Fiesta of St. Isador the Farmer. A commercial and cultural fair that includes the blessing of seeds, animals and water. Ensenada, Baja California May 29th - Ensenada International Festival. The city of Ensenada celebrates its founding in 1882, founding families and many different nationalities living in Ensenada, including the Russians, are represented.

June

Guaymas, Sonora June 1 - Mexican Navy Day celebration, which features a reenactment of a naval battle with fireworks. Memascalcingo, Mexico Jun 15 to Jul 2 - National Ceramics Fair and June Fiestas, that includes various cultural events plus crafts competition, exhibits and demonstrations. Papantla, Veracruz Jun 18 - Corpus Cristi Day and the Vanilla Festival the famous Flying Pole dancers of Mexico perform their act where they got their start.

July

Catemaco, Veracruz July 15 - Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, religious festival showcasing native costumes. Oaxaca, Oaxaca Last 2 weeks of July - Guelaguetza, this may be Oaxaca's most famous festival with visitors attending from around the world. Also known as Lunes del Cerro, regional dancers from throughout the state express their culture on the last two mondays of the month. The colorful event takes place in an outdoor amphitheater on Fortin Hill, above Oaxaca. Santiago Tuxtla, Veracruz Jul 25 - Day of St. James the Apostle, demonstrating the Liseres, Negritos and other local Indian dances.

August

Mexico City, D.F. Aug. 2 - Cuauhtémoc Day. Celebrating the last Aztec emperor, with dances and ceremonies at Cuauhtémoc Circle. Huamantia, Tlaxcala Aug 5 to 20 - The Day of the Virgin of Charity and Assumption Day. Flowers and sawdust adorn the streets for processions and for the running of bulls, as is done in Pamplona, Spain. A fair, Indian dances and market place.

September

Zacatecas, Zacatecas Sep. 1 to 16 - The National Fair. Showcasing agriculture, art exhibitions, bullfights, handicrafts, livestock and various sports. Guadalajara, Jalisco Sep. 4 to 5 - International Mariachi and Charro encounter. Mariachi bands play and compete is this celebration of Mexico's unique musical contribution. Loreto, Baja California Sep. 8 - Día de Nuestra Señora. is a local holiday in Loreto that celebratates Baja's first mission. Dolores Hidalgo, Queretero Sep 10 to 17 - Independence Day fair and regional exposition. El Grito de Dolores, the Cry of Dolores, is performed by the president at midnight on September 15. There is live television coverage of the Mexico City ceremony. Cozumel, Quintana Roo Sep 21 to 29 - Celebration of San Miguel Arcángel the Patron Saint of the island since 1848, includes a procession of fishermen carrying an image of San Miguel Arcángel to the downtown pier. Rosarito, Baja California Sep 25 - Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride, one of the largest events of it's kind, a 50 mile fun bike ride along the coast of northern Baja.

October

Pachuca, Hidalgo Sept. 29 to Oct. 23 - The Hidalgo State Fair. Guanajuato, Guanajuato Oct. 4 to 22 - 34th Festival Internacional Cervantino . In honor of author Miguel de Cervantes (Don Quixote) the event hosts a mix of national and international cultural and artistic events, dances, art exhibitions and perfomances. Ensenada, Baja California Oct. 23 - Annual Fiesta del Tequila. Event dedicated to discovering the culture and libations of Mexico, includes music, lectures and of course tequila and pulque tasting.

November

Merida, Yucatan Nov. 30th to Dec. 3 - The Yucatan Bird Festival. Several experts will lead the roster of special guests for a week full of fascinating field trips, unique exhibits, conferences, workshops and social get-togethers.

December

San Cristobal las Casas, Chiapas Dec. 10 to 12 - Fiesta of the Virgin Guadalupe. Tzotzil and Tzeltal Indians in procession, with Marimba music and horse parades. Oaxaca, Oaxaca Dec 23 - Night of the Radishes, featuring radish figurines and fried radish cakes covered in molasses. The cakes are served in a clay dish that must be broken after the cakes are finished.